It's you or them.

I have a big boy.

He is really good about playing alone in his room, nicely. He can play by himself for an hour with just a few check-ins from a grownup.

He loves trucks, balls, puzzles, music, and playing in the bathtub.

He ALSO loves getting chased, being read to, and playing hide and seek.

He loves his Daddy, Grandma, Mama, big sisters, and little sister.

He doesn't want to play alone all day.

************************

I have a baby.

She has fat cheeks, a loud cry, and huge eyes.

She doesn't want to be in her swing, looking out the window. She doesn't care about the Christmas tree she used to be mesmerized by. If she's in the same room as the TV, she'll do a Linda Blair impersonation to catch a glimpse of it, unless someone is looking and talking to her.

She is learning to roll over. She needs help, usually, although she did it once by herself. She tries to stand up when you hold her. She's just starting to get the hang of peek a boo.

While I was writing this, she sat in her happy bouncy chair with the toys, and moaned until I came into view, and then she laughed and smiled.... and we repeated that three times, until I got the point.

She doesn't want to sit on the other side of the room and play with her rattles or chew toys.

 

****

They want face time.

 

I don't know what to do about my obligation to work, and I do have to get some chores done around the house, regardless.

 

But if a bunch of days go by, and you don't see me, you'll know why.

 

It was you or them, and I chose them.